I need to monitor my cat water dispenser.
I figure I could insert a probe of some sort. I’m looking for something like a reverse leak detector or at least one that doesn’t alarm continuously while submersed like my Everspring leak detector. Maybe something that wakes up on, checks continuity, reports to HA, then goes back to sleep.
I’d like a recommendation of hardware suitable for monitoring water level in such a small area.
Leak detectors are not built to have continuous water exposure, the contacts are oxidizing quickly. You need water level sensor or little bit tinkering. Common door sensor underneath with small floating magnet could work for example.
That may work. I’ll check it out and see.
You can glue the magnet underneath a floating element and use a tube or some other way to keep it in line with the reed sensor.
If you don’t mind DIY solutions, simply integrate this type of floater to an ESP or a door/dry contact sensor.
Been using it for years in my pool skimmer to trigger refill.
That would be great. But I’m looking for something that won’t require me to work with VCC 
. If you know of a pre-packaged zwave/zigbee I’d be all over it.
I’d like that but i need something that’s not going to involve me coming up with my own housing and communication board.
Most leak detector probe points can be extended with a pair of normal wires. This would solve the corrosion issue since the wires can easily be replaced as needed.
Whether having a detector in a continuous leak state affect battery life, I wouldn’t know. I suspect it’s the state changes, rather than the state, which would have the greatest impact.
If you want ZigBee, the aqara flood sensor covers both points above. Mine’s been running for 2 years and battery is about to hit 50%